Paper long abstract:

What explains the fact that despite being underrepresented in politics, women in Kyrgyzstan have at least modified if not significantly determined state policy in key issue areas affecting processes of political transition? This analysis identifies the mechanism responsible for this surprising outcome, which lies in the crucial intersection between formal and informal institutions of political power. Despite underrepresentation at the national and local levels, women in Kyrgyzstan impact policy because, I argue, they utilize informal institutions of political power to access formal institutions of political power where decisions are made. Underrepresentation in formal channels of power does not preclude them from asserting their rights because they astutely mobilize in civil society organizations that work closely with women who are in government. I analyze the intersection of formal and informal institutions of political power in Kyrgyzstan by focusing on three cases of successful policy change initiated by women: 1) the introduction of a national gender quota, 2) the introduction of a sub-national gender quota, and 3) the introduction of a harsher penalty for bride theft. Stimulated by civil society activism, the first success enabled the second and third victories.